Residents fail to halt research into Scarborough Bluffs wind power

Scarborough Bluffs wind power

A device implanted in Lake Ontario to measure wind will stay put for another year, despite opposition from residents who want to end the prospect of wind turbines off the Scarborough bluffs.

Mayor Rob Ford and a majority of his executive committee agreed that Toronto Hydro should complete the two-year test of wind speed, direction and turbulence by an anemometer. Hydro has spent about $1-million on the project, which will determine if it’s worth installing an offshore wind farm, and spends $1,000 a month to maintain the device. City staff recommended councillors stick to the current timetable, but local residents say it’s a waste of money to do so. Sherri Lange, of the North American Platform Against Wind Power, cited earlier studies that found there was not enough wind in the area, along with the province’s moratorium on turbines in the Great Lakes. “We might as well just nip it in the bud and accept it’s a white elephant,” she said.

A Hydro official said the utility is trying to gather “basic scientific research” on wind patterns over the water body, and said it will not necessarily lead to turbines. The “research argument,” however, didn’t cut it for Councillor Mike Del Grande, who backed Councillor Paul Ainslie’s unsuccessful motion to cease the project.

“If this research ended it’s not like mankind would end,” said Mr. Del Grande. Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti also opposed “putting something down a community’s throat.”

Other councillors said it did not make sense to halt the project mid-stream, after already spending $1-million on it.

“All we’re trying to do is gather information,” said Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon. “We have a serious problem with peak oil, whether we believe it or not.”

Councillor David Shiner said the anemometer is a good thing for Scarborough residents if it shows that there is not enough wind power on the lake. “We’re blowing a lot of hot air, but it’s not happening out there.”